definition of john c. calhoun
John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) was an American politician from South Carolina who played a significant role in shaping the United States during the early 19th century. He served as Vice President under two presidents, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson, and also held various other political positions, including Secretary of War and Secretary of State.
Calhoun is primarily known for his strong defense of states' rights and slavery. He advocated for the doctrine of nullification, which argued that states had the right to reject or nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. He famously supported the South Carolina Exposition and Protest, a document that claimed states had the power to nullify the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832.
Calhoun was a firm believer in slavery and defended it both morally and economically. He argued that slavery was a positive good and essential for the Southern economy. Calhoun feared any threat to slavery would lead to unrest and upheaval, ultimately jeopardizing the Union.
While Calhoun's political career was marked by his defense of states' rights and slavery, he also made significant contributions to the development of American political theory. His theories on constitutionalism and division of power influenced future political thinkers, including Abraham Lincoln.
Overall, John C. Calhoun was a prominent American politician known for his defense of states' rights, the doctrine of nullification, and his support of slavery, which made him a controversial historical figure.